FAHA: Who is your Jeff?

[JaneYoung]

The Jeff that is highlighted in the OP's post has too much freedom. Too much freedom to impact in a negative fashion and to obstruct design developments in areas that he/she is not directly involved in.

It takes a lot of consistent mentoring to work with a Jeff and help him/her to become a team member, not a know-it-all. The mentoring should help to restrict the negative influence and obstructive attitude. It takes time, in some cases 4 years, but Jeffs can become positive role models and team members. Rarely, a Jeff cannot be worked with and if enough damage is done to the team structure and attitude, a Jeff may have to be advised to change or leave.

Student teammates must build strong skills in handling situations that test their roles on the team. It demands a lot of maturing and development of objectivity. Teens are surrounded by peer pressure and naturally want the team to get along. Giving into a Jeff is not going to fix anything; the goal should become - working with a Jeff.

It's a tough situation but there is tremendous opportunity for a Jeff to develop into a positive team member and perhaps, role model, and for the team to continue to function as a team, even with a Jeff or two, monitoring and/or limiting the Jeff's influence until he/she shows improvement.

Jane